Impact of Electricity Disruptions on Staff Performance at Papua New Guinea University of Technology

Abstract: The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech) experiences frequent energy disruptions due to aging infrastructure and inadequate transmission networks. These outages negatively impact staff productivity, motivation, and well-being, compromising overall efficiency. This study investigates how energy outages affect employee performance at Unitech. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys assessing the frequency and impact of outages with qualitative interviews that provide insights into individual experiences. Findings show a significant negative relationship between outage frequency and employee productivity, while outage duration does not have a notable effect. The research emphasizes the need for targeted solutions, such as backup power systems and flexible work arrangements, to mitigate these impacts. Keywords: Electricity Disruptions, Staff Performance, Productivity, University Operations JEL Classification Number: F31, F41